Apparatus for providing high quality power

ABSTRACT

The system disclosed herein is primarily utilized in the 23-48 volt DC telco, data center and industrial production industry. It will effectively replace today&#39;s requirement of purchasing, installing, maintaining and replacing chemical storage batteries. The solution will be capable of deployment partially and in full, inside the building, outside of the building in environmentally enclosed containers or in a mobile version. Additionally, the distribution voltage application will allow for reduction in the size of the power distribution wiring as well as creating an environment that requires less cooling of the critical equipment. This effectively leads to less infrastructure space and equipment, i.e. UPS, air conditioning units, static switch units, generators and chillers, for the same amount of processing, and significantly increases overall system reliability. The system regulates AC power and produces DC power that is considered uninterruptible and that is high quality in nature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/423,127 filed Nov. 1, 2002 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/453,235 filed Mar. 10, 2003, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The subject disclosure relates to systems for providing highquality power, and cooling and more particularly to an improved systemfor providing uninterrupted DC power for the telephone communications,data processing and industrial equipment.

[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art

[0005] Traditionally, AC commercial power has been used as the primarypower source for a wide variety of applications such as computers, dataprocessing equipment, telephony circuitry and other solid statetechnology devices. Despite this proliferation of the use of AC power,various problems are well-known. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,277,692;5,126,585; and 5,483,463 disclose practices for improving theperformance of AC power devices. Despite these improvements, manydrawbacks to the AC power still have not been overcome. In particular,AC power must still be converted to DC power for consumption by themajority of solid state devices. Many AC power systems require batterybackup and second 100% rated redundant feeds and are still inefficientat supplying the necessary power and redundancy. Further, the safetyrisk, bulkiness and expense of distributing AC power is well documented.

[0006] Many have always considered DC to be more efficient and reliable.However, the prior ability to produce DC power and scale distributionthereof has been a hurdle yet to be overcome. Typically, chemicalbatteries and rectifiers are utilized to produce, distribute and backupcritical DC power. Batteries in such applications have many limitations.When the batteries age, capacity reduces to the point of requiringreplacement that creates a disposal problem. Further, the ability toproduce and draw large amounts of power from a DC battery system isdependant upon the amount and size of the batteries and require largedistribution systems as DC distribution systems are oversized for DCvoltage drop. Modern technology demands more power, requiring a higherconcentration of DC power to reach a higher level of operation.

[0007] Despite these and other drawbacks, use of chemical batteries hasbeen widely used in to produce and store 48V DC power, intelecommunication centers and to provide an alternative backup sourcefor AC voltage systems during power outages in data centers. Forexample, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,469 to Bobry, in which batteries areused and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety tothe extent that it does not conflict with the present disclosure.Moreover, switching between sources is a recognized problem and oftenincurs momentary lapses in provision of the power needed. For example,see U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,697 to Hammond et al. which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety to the extent that it does not conflictwith the present disclosure.

[0008] In the past no technology has been available to economicallyproduce and distribute highly reliable high capacity DC power for use inboth centers. The use of DC quality power is much more reliable,inexpensive and would result in tremendous saving of power so it wouldbe extremely desirable to extensively utilize scaleable DC power.However, as a result of not being able to scale DC power much like an ACtransformer for distribution, technology dependent upon ready access toDC power has stagnated. Therefore, a system is needed to produce DCvoltage that is highly reliable, scalable and economical utilizing ACand DC components without the use of chemical storage batteries.

[0009] Moreover, prior art systems have required large amounts of wiringand conditioning equipment for electrically interconnecting the ACvoltage source with the load. Typically, the electrical interconectionsare quite bulky and require a large amount of copper. In data center andtelco applications, switch mode power supplies (“SMPS”) on the serversare fed by AC but have the capability of being powered by DC only.Theses AC driven SMPS generate heat and draw significant power and arevery inefficient. As a result of the high heat generation and a limitedamount of cooling capacity, data processing equipment must be spread outto facilitate proper cooling, therefore data centers have less space forprocessing equipment and an overall decreased cooling load efficiency.Thus, there is a need for a system which provides the necessary powerand can be interconnected with relatively small interconnections andoperate without SMPS in order to increase the efficiency of the datacenter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to utilize either208-480 incoming volts AC three phase power to produce 23-48VDC outgoingvoltage and current for supply throughout a data center or comparablefacility.

[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to utilize one ACutility and emergency power source, preferably a generator, as theincoming main and emergency feeds to make the system reliable in case ofa utility power outage.

[0012] In one embodiment, the system cycles through a transfer switchwith overlap transition to utility, optional. The transfer switch willtake one emergency and one utility and will switch between the two wheneither manually initiated or loss of utility power has occurred. Thegenerator will feed a distribution panel sized to power a bridge dioderectifier, house loads and air conditioning, utilizing 480/3/60 inputand 500-600 VDC output. The rectifier will be designed to reduce DCripple utilizing reactors designed to do so. In another embodiment, thesystem will utilize a flywheel battery-less DC power supply source, inparallel to the output of a main rectifier, to generate 500-600 VDC andtie into the output of the rectifier. The system utilizes DC outputpower from the rectifier to charge the flywheel. When AC power is lostto the main rectifier input, the flywheel will discharge the kineticstorage into the load side of the rectifier until such time that theemergency generator has started and has taken over the critical load.When the emergency source is on line it will supply power to both theload and will also recharge the flywheel device to 100% preparing thesystem for the eventual return to utility. Upon the return orstabilization of utility power consistently for a set period, thetransfer switch will retransfer the system load to the utility. Duringthis transfer, the break in the system power will once again be bridgedby the flywheel source in the opposite direction.

[0013] Preferably, the 600 VDC from the output of the main rectifierwill distribute throughout the facility reducing both the wire size andthe current necessary to run a Power Converter Unit or PCU that willstep the high voltage down to useable 48 VDC to power plants orcomputers that are designed to utilize 48 volts DC. Thereby allowing thecomputers to be supplied without a customary switch mode power supplytherefore reducing the inefficiencies of the SMPS saving energy of up to30% and reducing wiring circular mill, reducing cooling requirements,rid the plant of chemical storage batteries and reduce its equipmentinfrastructure required spacing and significantly increasing the powerreliability. This attribute will allow more of the critical indoorsquare footage to be utilized for the electronics necessary to increasebusiness.

[0014] In another embodiment, at certain determined interval areas,dependant upon loading and distance, a specially designed DC-to-DCconverter, or Power Converter Unit (“PCU”), utilizing intergate bi-polartransistor (hereinafter “IGBT”) technology, redundant power supplies or30 kW drawers and a 5-20 kHz DC controller that both senses and fires anIGBT will be placed. The PCU can be fed by up to two totally independentpower systems providing highly reliable outage protection. Additionally,the PCU is highly resistant to faults and once again adding to the highquality power output. The IGBT will efficiently convert line side DChigh voltage to secondary low side voltage remaining efficient andtightly controlled throughout the potential voltage drop on the primaryside down to 300 VDC. This PCU is much like a DC to DC transformer. Fromthe output of the IGBT device, voltage and current will be distributedto local or close devices that utilize 48 volts DC without the issues ofvoltage drop and excessive heat produced by the SMPS. This voltage canbe controlled by remotely placing a sensor at the furthest device fromthe converter.

[0015] Another highly important concept to this power quality system isthe utilization of a sophisticated cooling system to rid the space ofthe heat produced by the efficient delivery of power by the PCU to thetelecommunications and data processing loads. The PCU will deliver powerto racks where the technology will reside. Virtually all of thedelivered power will be utilized by electronic loads. These loads willturn this power completely into heat. Technology today is attempting tocompact as many devices in a small space as possible. In order toprovide for this condition a Power Cooling rack, (PCR) will be providedthat can liquid cool a plate fin heat exchanger located in the bottom ofthe rack as well as variable speed fans that will efficiently meter airand will cool the computers in the rack up to 20 kW. The best devicebeing utilized today can rid the space of up to 5-7 kW. These racks willprovide for dual fed 48 volt DC distribution for protection againstpower outage of one of the sources increasing reliability.

[0016] It should be appreciated that the present disclosure can beimplemented in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process,an apparatus, a system, a device or a method. These and other uniquefeatures of the system disclosed herein will become more readilyapparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which thedisclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make anduse the same, reference may be had to the drawings wherein:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic view of a stationary moduleconstructed in accordance with the subject invention.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a somewhat schematic view of a mobile module constructedin accordance with the subject invention.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a somewhat schematic view of a third module constructedin accordance with the subject invention.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an enclosure for providing DCpower and cooling in accordance with the subject invention.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a somewhat schematic view of a connected DC conversionunit FIG. 4 in accordance with the subject invention.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a schematic of a diode bridge constructed in accordancewith the subject invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problemsassociated with power supplies. The advantages, and other features ofthe system disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed descriptionof certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawingswhich set forth representative embodiments of the present invention andwherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, an enclosure 110 is utilized to protect thesystem 100 from the elements as well as provide the proper internalenvironment necessary for the component pieces to function properly.This environment is preferably 40-104 degrees F., non-condensing. Thesystem 100 is designed to be stationary or fixed. The stationaryenclosure 110 will house all components with the exception of the DCconverters. Such a system 100 would typically be utilized in the largerpower applications where the 600 VDC distribution is sent into thefacility (not shown) and powers localized DC converters that step downfrom 600 to 23-48 VDC. The system 100 will provide an AC power feed thatwill supply AC three-phase power to air conditioning units within thefacility so the enclosure 110 will be considered a self-contained totalcritical power solution for the facility.

[0026] Preferably, an emergency generator unit 112 will be mounted onthe outside of the enclosure 110 in an adjacent environmentally designedcontainer 114. The container 114 will mount on extended rails thatprotrude from the bottom of the main enclosure 110. The generator 112includes a sub base fuel supply 116 and will start on a signal from anautomatic transfer switch 118 located inside the main enclosure 110.Typically the emergency generator 112 uses a fuel cell or turbine unitsized from 250 kW or larger as required by the application and supplies208-480 or high VAC three phase. The generator has an output breaker(not shown) and will store up to 12 hours or more of fuel in the fuelsupply 116. The fuel supply 116 can also be supplied with natural gas toprovide for automatic replenishment. The system 100 can be designed torun in a prime energy mode producing inexpensive clean power to thefacility, thereby reducing the overall energy usage. By prime energymode, the system 100 generates power and utilizes the heat by-product topower chillers that cool the system 100. The system 100 can be usedstand alone or coupled in parallel for providing additional capacityand/or reliability.

[0027] The automatic transfer switch (“ATS”) 118 is preferably sizedfrom 400 to 1200 amps for a VAC three-phase three-wire. Suitable ATS118, without limitation, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,761,563 and5,646,833, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. The ATS 118 is preferably mechanical in nature and fed fromtwo separate sources. One source of power to the ATS 118 is the buildingutility feed and the other is the feed from the generator 112. Theutility, or normal feed, is preferably connected through a twist lock orlug configuration 120 and is terminated to the normal side of the ATS118. The generator 112 feeds to the emergency side of the switch 118.

[0028] Upon a power outage, the ATS 118 send a startup signal to thegenerator 112 and, upon reaching the set voltage, mechanically break theutility feed and connects the emergency source supply power to thedistribution panel 122. This application 100 can be provided withoverlap transfer if required and follows the same procedure in reversewhen utility is returned. The system can receive a remote start or stopsignal and can be utilized in either a prime or standby mode.

[0029] The distribution panel 122 distributes 208-480, three-phasethree-wire, AC power to all of the component devices. The distributionpanel 122 includes a main breaker and smaller distribution breakers,preferably molded case, and are of comparable size and fusing to the ATS118. A 20-40 kVA transformer 124 is utilized for house power, i.e.lighting, heating, cooling and the like.

[0030] A main diode based rectifier 126 takes a 208- through mediumvoltage three-phase feed and produces an output voltage of 500-600VDC.The sizing range is preferably from 150 kW to 500 kW or as required.Ripple current is minimized by the use of reactors. A DC flywheel system128 can take either AC or DC power to spin up a kinetic flywheel andstore energy until such time that the DC output bus drops below the mainrectifier voltage. At a set point, the DC flywheel system 128 dischargesthe stored energy in the form of DC voltage and current to supplyconsistent power to the DC converters 130 providing enough time to allowthe generator 112 to come up to speed and take over the utility feed.

[0031] Once the utility power source becomes operational again, the DCflywheel 128 will bridge the transfer back to utility in a similarfashion. After the generator 112, or the utility feed has returned andis powering the load, the DC flywheel system 128 recharge the kineticflywheel, in the form of flywheel speed, in readiness to bridge the nextpower outage. The flywheel system is preferably an enclosed system. Inlarge applications, the DC flywheel system 128 is underground and sizedin the megawatt range. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skillin the art that the DC flywheel system 128 may be a plurality of kineticflywheels that are connected in parallel to form the DC flywheel system.

[0032] DC disconnects 132 fuse the DC converters 130. The DC disconnectsor breakers 132 are sized to accept voltage drop in the event that thevoltage output by the flywheel goes below recommended parameters. Forexample, an unacceptable flywheel voltage drop may occur if thegenerator 112 miss starts and must continue to attempt to start and comeup to line voltage. As the kinetic flywheel reduces in speed the outputvoltage drops. As the flywheel voltage drops, the current rises in orderto maintain the power output at a constant level.

[0033] A pair of DC converters or PCU 130 receive power from therectifier 126. The DC converters reduce the high voltage output by therectifier 126 for outputting the desired voltage to run the load, i.e.solid state technology devices. In smaller applications such as the 50kW version illustrated, the DC converters 130 are housed in theenclosure 110. In larger applications such as 150 kW, the DC converters130 may be located within the building as close to the load as possible.Preferably, the DC converters 130 can be dual fed and have a number ofoutputs. The DC converters 130 have an N+1 control and powerconfiguration. In a preferred embodiment, the DC converters 130 convert525-600 VDC to useable 23-48VDC. The DC converters 130 have a highfrequency sensing and control circuit for controlling the firing of theIGBTs therein. In controlling the IGBTs in this manner, the physicalsize of the DC converter is drastically reduced and the efficiencysignificantly increased. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,646,833.

[0034] It is envisioned that the enclosure 110 can be stored outdoors.In the outdoor application, the 48VDC output by the DC converters 130connects to the building via twist lock quick connection points 134. Theoutput of the DC converters 130 can also be connected to a common feedpoint either within the building or out at the enclosure 110, to producea 2+N configuration. Preferably, remote sensors (not shown) are placedat the furthest load point for providing input to the system 100 tomaintain the 48VDC output at the furthest utilization point. The system100 also includes a general purpose panel 138 for allowing access tohouse power for other applications.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, as will be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art, a mobile system 200 utilizes the sameprinciples of the system 100 described above. Accordingly, likereference numerals preceded by the numeral “2” instead of the numeral“1”, are used to indicate like elements. The mobile system 200 isdesigned to allow easy movement from one area to another so that highquality power can be quickly made accessible in the area of need. Themobile system 200 houses all the components and the output voltage issent into the facility from the enclosure 210. Typically, the mobilesystem 200 is used in a smaller demand application of 1000-1500 ampsVDC.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, as will be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art, an expanded system 300 utilizes the sameprinciples of the systems 100 and 200 described above. The system 300utilizes cross-feeding stand-alone converters in order to insurereliable delivery of power. Accordingly, like reference numeralspreceded by the numeral “3” instead of the numerals “1” or “2”, are usedto indicate like elements whenever possible. The system 300 is adaptedand configured to supply power to a data center (not shown). Typically,data centers require power that is conditioned and backed up by anuninterruptible power supplies (hereinafter “UPS”), batteries, orgenerators. Power distribution units (hereinafter “PDU”) typicallydistribute 480 volt three-phase power. For use, the power may betransformed to usable 120/208 volt power. The system 300 is an expandedapplication to meet the needs of a data center.

[0037] The system 300 includes a pair of power modules 301 forredundancy. The power modules include a generator 312, either prime orstandby, that could also be one or more fuel cells or a turbine. In anenergy saving mode, wherein the generator 312 or utility source utilizesnatural gas to produce electrical power, the byproduct heat of thegeneration is utilized to power absorption chillers that are, in turn,used to cool the data center, or the PCU. Preferably, the PCU acceptschilled water as a cooling medium, e.g., load curtailment.

[0038] The DC converters 330 are located inside the data center as closeto the 48VDC load as possible. This will allow the rectification of theAC power to DC for distribution outside of the data center in a remotelocation, thereby saving valuable data center space. The use oftransformers and associated alternating current apparatus is no longernecessary; as a result, the data center is less electronicallyintensive. In another embodiment, the need for SMPS on the servers canbe eliminated and the servers run on DC voltage supplied in a centralbus scenario by the system 330. The elimination of SMPS significantlyreduces the overall heat and power draw and by virtue of reducing powerand cooling space is freed up or can be more densely designed toaccommodate more equipment per square foot. The DC converters 330 in a2+N scenario can be applied and can simply and effectively provide thecomputers with reliable power meeting or exceeding the state of the art3 to 5 nines availability requirements. In short, the data center isless electronically intensive due to the replacing of the AC-DC back toAC topologies of the UPS as well as eliminating the sophistication andexpense of the AC sine wave reconstruction, synchronization andparalleling electronics. The system 300 in conjunction with the PCR orsystem 410 saves installation expense, operating expense in cooling, andinfrastructure space necessary for all of the required AC powerequipment.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the system 300 produces a distributionDC voltage of 600VDC from outside of the data center. Typically, thesizing of the system 300 could be between 600 to 2000MW. The 600VDC isproduced by a rectification system 326 with a flywheel system 328 as forproviding transition to a backup generator 312 as explained above. It isenvisioned that the conversion for the data center application from600-48VDC is accomplished using the DC converters 330 at a sizing ofroughly 150 kW.

[0040] Each DC converter 331 can receive two 600VDC from two redundantsystem 301 modules so that if a single power module 301 malfunctions,the 48VDC output of the system 331 is maintained. A distribution panel333 is between the DC converters 331 and power modules 301. Thedistribution panels 333 have DC breakers or fuses 335 utilized toprotect the inputs of the 331 device.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the DC converters 330 are installedinto a self contained cooled racking system 410 (see FIG. 4), that willeliminate the heat produced by system 331 or computers installed intothe system 410 through the utilization of local chilled water supply andchilled water return piping. (not shown) System 410 has a dual role asthe housing and cooling apparatus for the system 331 components as wellas cooling racks for computer technology installed into the freestanding racks within the system 410. The system 410 has a lineup ofracks that provide power, cooling and structural requirements for thecomputer systems therein. The racks water cools the DC converters 331allowing more technology in the space without the requirement ofseparate air conditioning units reducing even further the floor spacenecessary to support the computers in the data or telecommunicationsprocessing area.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, an enclosure 410 for providing DC power to acommercial building in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown.The enclosure 410 has two doors 402 a,402 b for providing access to aninterior thereof. Behind door 402 a, the enclosure 410 houses aplurality of DC conversion units 431 and, behind door 402 b, a load (notshown). Also enclosed in each rack is a chilled water cooling coil (notshown) and three variable frequency drive fans 433 which cool theinternal air in the enclosure 410 so that heat from the power orcomputer devices is rejected into the water. In the preferred embodimentshown, the enclosure 410 has six DC conversion units 431 of 30 kWcapacity each. As a result, the enclosure 410 can serve as a redundant150 kW DC power source.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, a somewhat schematic view of an exemplary DCconversion unit 431 connected to dual power sources is shown. As can beseen, the high voltage DC (for example 525VDC) is distributed relativelyeasily and efficient but near or at the point of consumption, thevoltage level is reduced to a usable level (for example 48VDC). Fourfeeds 403 a-d provide input power tothe DC conversion unit 431. Feeds403 a and 403 d are connected to similar power modules 401. The powermodules 401 utilize similar principles as systems 100, 200 and 300.Thus, for simplicity, no significant discussion of the theory andoperation is repeated again. Of note, the power modules 401 each includedual flywheel systems 428 in order to increase the available durationand load capacity of power during the interim mode. Feeds 403 b and 403c are connected to alternate power sources 407. The alternate powersources 407 are preferably traditional utilities. In other embodiments,the alternate power sources 407 are fuel cells, batteries, UPS, othergenerators, additional systems 401 and combination thereof.

[0044] Still referring to FIG. 5, the DC conversion unit 431 includestwo I/O boards 440 a, 440 b. The I/O boards 440 a, 440 b act to directthe input power to adjacent DC converter modules 442 a, 442 b. I/O board440 a receives power feeds 403 a and 403 b. I/O board 440 b receivespower feeds 403 c and 403 d. Each I/O board 440 a, 440 b routes therespective two input power feeds through a diode bridge means 450 (seeFIG. 6). The diode bridge means 450 is for maintaining a consistentoutput 452 regardless of how the polarity on the diode bridge inputsvaries. As a result, for example, if feed 403 a malfunctions (and feeds403 b and 403 c for that matter), the proper amount of power is stillavailable to allow DC converter module 442 a to produce sufficient powerto run the load. The redundancy of two DC conversion modules 442 a, 442b that are both fed by dual power sources 440 a-b and 440 c-d,respectively, wherein each feed 440 a-d is derived from differentsources , results in a highly robust and reliable system.

[0045] Each DC conversion module 442 a, 442 b produces sufficient powerto run the load. In turn, the output from the DC conversion modules 442a, 442 b is routed through a plurality of power cooling racks 444(“PCR”). The PCR 444 connect the respective outputs of the DC conversionmodules 442 a, 442 b via another diode bridge means (not shown) in orderto allow a single functioning DC coversion module 442 a, 442 b tosufficeintly power the load. The PCR 444 also distribute the power tothe load, i.e. the technologies or computers in the enclosure 410. Thepower enters the PCR 444 through power feeds 405 a, 405 b. As notedabove, diode bridge (see FIG. 6) within the PCR 444 receives power feeds405 a, 405 b so that only one of the power feeds 405 a, 405 b needs tobe operable in order for the system to provide power.

[0046] Each of the DC conversion modules 431 generates significant heatthat needs to be removed from the enclosure 410 to insure properoperation. The enclosure 410 is water cooled via the PCR 444 but it willbe appreciated that other methods of cooling are possible as would beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art based upon review ofthe subject disclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure 110 isan ECOBAY™ enclosure available from Sanmina-SCI Corp. of 2700 NorthFirst Street, San Jose, Calif. 95134. In a well-known manner, eachconversion unit 431 may be replaced or reconfigured to allow varying thecapacity and performance of the enclosure 410 to suit the particularapplication.

[0047] While the invention has been described with respect to preferredembodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatvarious changes and/or modifications can be made to the inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for providing high quality power toa load by using overlap transfer comprising: an enclosure for outdooruse; a flywheel within the enclosure for storing and discharging energyas a DC voltage; and a switch operatively connected to the flywheel andfed from a utility source and a generator source, wherein the switchoperates in three modes, a normal mode in which the utility sourceprovides power to the load, an interim mode in which the flywheelsupplies power to the load and a backup mode in which the generatorsource provides power to the load, wherein upon a drop in power outputbelow a set point, the switch sends a startup signal to the generatorsource and enters the interim mode where the flywheel discharges energystored therein to supply the DC voltage to the load until the generatorsource can supply power to the load, upon the generator source beingable to supply power, the switch enters the backup mode and thegenerator source feeds power to the flywheel for recharging theflywheel.
 2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising arectifier operatively connected to the DC voltage output by the flywheelfor reducing DC ripple in the DC voltage.
 3. An apparatus as recited inclaim 1, further comprising a distribution panel within the enclosureand fed by the generator source for fusing the apparatus.
 4. Anapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the set point is determined bycomparing a DC output to a rectifier voltage.
 5. An apparatus as recitedin claim 1, wherein in the interim mode the utility source suppliespower to the load in combination with the flywheel.
 6. An apparatus asrecited in claim 1, wherein the generator source is selected from thegroup consisting of a fuel cell, turbine unit and generator.
 7. Anapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the generator source is withinthe enclosure.
 8. An apparatus as recited in claim 7, further comprisinga water cooling system within the enclosure for removing heat from theenclosure.
 9. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, the flywheel suppliespower to the load when the switch transitions from the backup mode tothe normal mode.
 10. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a natural gas fuel for supply to the generator source whereinbyproduct heat generated by consumption of the natural gas fuel isutilized to power absorption chillers that, in turn, cool an area. 11.An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a rectifierconnected to the utility source for converting an AC voltage to a DCvoltage.
 12. An apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the AC voltageis 480 VAC and the DC voltage is 600VDC.
 13. An apparatus as recited inclaim 12, further comprising a converter for scaling down the 600VDC to48VDC at the load.
 14. An apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein theload is a computer without a switching mode power supply.
 15. A systemfor receiving utility AC power as an input and reliably providing DCpower for solid state technology, the system comprising: a) at least twopower modules for providing reliable power, each power module including:a selectively activated backup power source; first means for receiving autility power source and determining when the utility power source andthe backup power source are sufficient; a flywheel system for providinginterim power when the utility power source is not sufficient; and aswitching mechanism for transitioning to using the flywheel system whenthe utility power source is determined not sufficient, activating thebackup power source, and transitioning to using the backup power sourceafter the backup power source is determined sufficient; and b) a powerconversion module including: an enclosure; and a plurality of chassismounted within the enclosure, each chassis having a first I/O board forreceiving an alternate power source and an AC output of one of the powermodules, a diode bridge on the first I/O board for outputting aconsistent voltage as long as at least one of the alternate power sourceand the power module is sufficient, and a converter for receiving anoutput of the diode bridge and outputting a desired DC voltage to a loadwithin the enclosure.
 16. A system as recited in claim 15, wherein a sumof a power of the desired DC voltage of the plurality of chassis isdouble that required by the load for providing redundancy.
 17. A systemas recited in claim 15, wherein the alternate power source is aplurality of power modules.
 18. A system for efficiently deliveringpower to a plurality of solid state technology devices, the systemcomprising: at least one rectifier for receiving AC voltage andconverting the AC voltage to a high DC voltage; cables operativelyconnected to the at least one rectifier for routing the high DC voltageto a load; and at least one converter operatively connected between thecables and load for scaling the high DC voltage to a voltage as requiredto power the load.
 19. A system as recited in claim 18, furthercomprising a second rectifier for receiving AC voltage and convertingthe AC voltage to a second high DC voltage and a diode bridge forreceiving the high DC voltage and the second high DC voltage in order toprovide redundancy in the system.